March is National Kidney Month

March is National Kidney Month and the focus of the month is to have everyone give “…their kidneys a second thought and a well-deserved checkup.” (1)

Why Are Kidneys So Important

As the National Kidney Foundation provides, “Healthy kidneys have many important jobs. They remove waste products and extra water from your body, help make red blood cells, help keep your bones healthy and help control blood pressure.” (2)

Kidney Issues

When your kidneys get damaged or diseased, it keeps them from doing their important jobs. And, unfortunately kidneys are prone to disease, so it is important to get checkups. As the National Kidney Foundation states that one in three Americans are “…at risk for kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney failure. There are more than 30 million Americans who already have kidney disease, and most don’t know it because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed.” Kidney disease can be quite serious especially if it gets worse, as it can lead to kidney failure which can lead to needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. (2)

On top of this, American Indian and Alaska Natives have a higher risk for kidney disease and failure. The National Kidney Foundation states, “American Indians and Alaska Natives are 50% more likely to have kidney failure compared to White Americans…Researchers do not fully understand why American Indians and Alaska Natives are at a higher risk for kidney disease. However, American Indians and Alaska Natives are twice as likely as White Americans to have diabetes, and diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. High blood pressure, diet, obesity, and access to healthcare may also play a role.” (2)

What Can Be Done

If you already have kidney disease, measures you can take to address it include taking medication, adjusting your diet, and getting regular exercise. (2)